Mothercare dispute over sales figures

MOTHERCARE is in discussions with Taylor Nelson Sofres, the market researcher, in a dispute over sales figures. The retailer claims data showing a sharp slump in childrenswear sales do not reflect the chain's 'true performance'.

News of the apparent slump in childrenswear sales, revealed by the TNS data last weekend, forced Mothercare to issue a statement last Monday reassuring the market that its recovery was still on track.

The TNS figures said Mothercare suffered a 32% drop in children's clothing sales by value in the 24 weeks to 15 December and 43% by volume.

TNS, the largest fashion research panel in Europe, said it is happy with its data.

In a joint statement, Mothercare and TNS said: 'There is a discrepancy between TNS's data on Mothercare's sales for the 24-week period ending 14 December and Mothercare's own sales data. TNS and Mothercare are working to rectify this for future reports.'